M&S strengthens food operations team by poaching former Asda exec

Featherstone previously worked at Asda for 27 years, and will join M&S as head of business improvement.

M&S said that Featherstone will be accountable for delivering M&S Foods transformation through innovation and technology, and brings “a wealth of operational and transformation experience”.

The retailer added that Featherstone has spent the last “couple of months” working in store, as part of his induction, to “truly get to know the business and enable him to accelerate the operational transformation”.

Featherstone is just the latest appointment from M&S’ food team, alongside the likes of Andrew Hicks who will join as marketing director on September 1, and Kevin Bennett who is now the food logistics director and Gist chief executive.

Featherstone left Asda in March, where he was senior manager of strategy and transformation. He had also previously been the senior manager of retail process improvement and senior manager loss prevention.

He joined Asda in 1997 and has previously worked for the grocery giant for his entire professional career.